Bulldogs Defeat Green Wave

After getting a seven strikeout night from Calli Richards on Friday night in a win over Rock Hill, the Boiling Springs softball team kept the winning ways going with another victory on Saturday night behind an eight strikeout night from Shelby Griffin. The Bulldogs defeated the Easley Green Wave 8-1 on Saturday night in the second round of the 5A District III playoffs. “I was proud of our team tonight. We still have some things we need to clean up but we’re getting better each time out,” said Bulldogs head coach Randy Piazza, “This is a big win for the program and we’re in a great position for the rest of this round.”

Griffin on Saturday night recorded eight strikeouts and only allowed one ball to leave the infield to give the Bulldogs their second straight outstanding pitching performance. “I was going up there and just trying to stay focused on doing what I know how to do,” said Griffin about her outing Saturday night. When asked about his pitching staff’s second consecutive one-run outing Coach Piazza said, “It feels good having two very good pitchers. They both really support each other and they both know their roles. They’re both always ready to go when they’re called on and I have all the confidence in the world in both of them.”

While the Bulldogs pitching performance was impressive, the offense wasn’t planning on being left out as the Bulldogs scored all eight runs in the third and fifth innings. In the third inning Victoria Beland was able to score on a Logan Webb single after pinch running for Griffin, who had doubled, giving Boiling Springs a 1-0 lead. The Bulldogs added to their lead when Emma Williams doubled in Emily Hill and Webb giving the Bulldogs a 3-0 lead at the end of the third.

The Bulldogs bats got bat to work in the fifth inning as they had ten batters come to the plate in the inning. Emily Hill got the inning started with a double and scored on a single by Webb. Webb would come around and score on a single to right field by Lindsey Edge while Moriah Gomez who reached base after being hit by a pitch would score on a bases loaded walk to Grace McKinney. Edge and Richards, who had reached on a fielder’s choice, both would score on a single by Shelby Griffin extending the Bulldogs lead to 8-1.

The Bulldogs are now 2-0 in the 5A District III playoffs and will welcome the winner of Monday night’s game between Easley and Hillcrest to Boiling Springs on Wednesday. The game Wednesday night will begin at 5:00 PM and a second game will be played only if Easley or Hillcrest wins the first game.